WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Travel Association announces that Southwest Airlines founder and Chairman Emeritus Herbert D. Kelleher will receive the Second Annual Steve Fossett Innovation Award at TravelCom'09, the association's eCommerce and distribution conference to be held March 31-April 2 in Atlanta.
"Herb Kelleher is one of our industry's greatest leaders and true pioneers. His ingenuity, competitive spirit and drive for excellence have not only challenged his aviation peers to strive for higher standards, but he has blazed a new path for everyone in the travel business," says Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.
On April 1, Kelleher will receive the Steve Fossett Award, which recognizes a worldwide travel industry leader who has broken new ground, pushed boundaries, and revolutionized the industry, leaving a legacy of long-lasting change. Last year's recipient was Richard Branson, founder and chairman of the Virgin Group of Companies.
Southwest Airlines started in 1971 with three airplanes. Today, it operates with a fleet of more than 537 airplanes and performs over 3,200 flights a day. Under Kelleher's leadership, the airline posted profits for 36 consecutive years and delivered record returns to its shareholders, the highest of any company included in the S&P 500 from 1972-2002.
